Posted by The widely scattered islands in the North Aegean and East Aegean are often referred to as the Northeast Aegean Islands or Northeastern Aegean. There is now quite a lot of tourism on the islands, but not nearly as much as on Crete, the Cyclades or the Dodecanese. The seven large islands are Chios, Lesbos, Limnos, Ikaria, Samos, Samothraki and Thasos. The larger ones have an airport with daily flights from Athens and charter flights from Germany in summer. Some islands are also served several times a week from Thessaloniki. The islands of the East Aegean can be reached by ferry from Piraeus (the port of Athens), the islands of the North Aegean by ferries from places on the nearby northern Greek mainland. Turkey claims territory on most of the islands, which continues to lead to tensions between the governments in Ankara and Athens. Greek military personnel are stationed in large numbers on some islands.
Image: m-pictures – Fotolia.com – Landscape of the Northeast Aegean
Samos is the birthplace of the world-famous ancient mathematician Pythagoras, whose theorem about the ratio of sides in a right-angled triangle everyone learned at school. In ancient times, Samos was very culturally important, which makes the museum in Vathy (the capital of Samos in the northeast of the island) worth seeing. The south is less developed for tourism and you can find beautiful, secluded beaches. From Samos there are ferries to Turkey (to Kusadasi) and to Athens several times a week.
Chios is a large island with many inhabitants and little tourism. The capital is quite boring. More interesting is the “New Monastery” a good 10 km from the main town. It houses the most famous mosaic collection in Greece.
Lesbos was the island of philosophy and poetry in ancient times. The capital Mytilioni has some interesting museums such as the Archaeological Museum and the Theophihlos Museum. Theophilos, who comes from Lesbos, is the most famous Greek painter of the 20th century. Lesbos and Chios can be reached by plane or ferry from Athens. The word “lesbian” is derived from the name of the island of Lesbos. The largest island in the northeast Aegean.
Tourism has only developed in Samothraki in the last 30 years. There are many archaeological sites and the island is ideal for hikers. The island can be reached by ferry from Kavala (northern Greece).
Thasos is world famous for its marble works. There are beautiful beaches and hospitable people. The round island is an ideal family holiday island. Thassos can also be reached in 2-3 hours by ferry from the northern Greek mainland, from Kavala. Many regular guests.
Ikaria is known for its thermal spa “Therma”. An airport was built on the island a few years ago, which led to a sharp increase in the number of tourists. The island is connected by ferries to Samos and the port of Piraeus (near Athens), for example.
Limnos is the eighth largest island in Greece, but has not yet been developed for tourism. An island to find authentic Greek island life. Limnos has a modern, slightly oversized airport and ferry connections to Thessaloniki, Kavala and Alexandroupoli on the mainland.
Image: Niklas Kratzsch – Fotolia.com
Psara is a small, quiet island with about 400 inhabitants in the northeast Aegean, known for its rich history, especially in the Greek War of Independence. It impresses with pristine beaches, traditional charm and a relaxed atmosphere away from mass tourism.
Agios Efstratios (Ai Stratis) is a remote island in the northeast Aegean with about 200 inhabitants, known for its tranquility and unspoilt nature. The island offers clean beaches, volcanic landscapes and is an ideal place for relaxation away from mass tourism.
There are other small islands in the northeast Aegean that are often less well known:
Inousses: A small group of islands near Chios, known for its traditional shipping culture and picturesque bays.
Thymaina: A tiny island near Fourni with less than 200 inhabitants, ideal for peace and quiet and nature lovers.
Fourni: A small island between Samos and Ikaria known for traditional fishing villages and quiet beaches.
Antipsara: An even smaller sister island of Psara with a handful of inhabitants and unspoiled nature.
Northeast Aegean Islands Top 10 Things to Do
Nea Moni (Chios)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Byzantine monasteries in Greece, known for its magnificent mosaics.
Pythagoreion (Samos)
An ancient port area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlighting the importance of Samos in ancient times.
Heraion of Samos
The impressive ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess Hera and a major archaeological highlight.
Mastic Villages (Chios)
Historic villages such as Pyrgi and Mesta, known for their medieval architecture and mastic production.
Kastro of Myrina (Limnos)
An impressive Venetian fortress with stunning views of the capital and the Aegean Sea.
Thermal Springs Ikaria
Famous for their healing properties and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for wellness lovers.
Molyvos (Lesbos)
A charming village with an impressive Byzantine fortress and a dreamy view.
Fonias Waterfalls (Samothraki)
A natural paradise with picturesque waterfalls and hiking trails through lush vegetation.
Sanctuary of the Great Gods (Samothraki)
A mystical archaeological site known for its connection to the ancient mystery cults.
Kalloni Salt Pans (Lesbos)
A hotspot for birdwatchers where flamingos and other migratory birds can be found in a unique landscape.
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